Acta Universitatis Danubius. Œconomica, Vol 6, No 1 (2010)

Monetary Developments and Decolonization in Ethiopia

Arnaldo Mauri

Abstract

The article analyses the reorganization process of the monetary setting in Ethiopia started in 1941 along with decolonization, when the Italian colonial rule came to an end. The country regained independence and the former Ethiopian empire was restored. The monetary reform in Ethiopia after liberation during World War II was a necessary measure to be adopted. Different paths however could have been followed at that moment by the Ethiopian government. The crucial choice made in moneymatter was to re-establish a national monetary unit instead of keeping the country inside the East African shilling area, as it was envisaged in British designs for the post-war setting of the Horn of Africa. The Ethiopian project unpredictably prevailed at the end of a weary negotiation, thanks chiefly to American support in the framework of a new role gained by the United States in this area. The Ethiopian Authorities were, as a consequence, enabled to free themselves from dependence on GreatBritain.